Significance of Initiation
Synonyms: Commencement, Beginning, Start, Introduction, Launch, Onset, Opening, Inception, Commencement., Outset, Inauguration
In French: Initiation; In Dutch: Initiatie; In Finnish: Initiaatio; In Spanish: Iniciación; In German: Einleitung; In Swedish: Initiering; In Malay: Permulaan; In Finnish: Aloitus; In Italian: Iniziazione; In Portugese: Iniciação; In Polish: Inicjacja
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Initiation'
Initiation in Buddhism comprises spiritual rites and ceremonies that empower practitioners, facilitating their connection to teachings and lineages, crucial for Tantric practices, ordination, and deeper esoteric insights essential for spiritual growth.
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) Initiation is a key aspect of spiritual practice, as yang dben pa understood the method of initiation from a young age and later received complete initiation from lha rje zla ba 'od zer.[1] (2) Initiation is a process for which Ma gcig did not offer proper renumeration to her teacher, and is a key element in the spiritual path, involving the transmission of knowledge and empowerment.[2] (3) A formal ceremony or process through which practitioners are introduced to spiritual practices.[3] (4) Ceremonial rites that the Venerable conducted, showcasing his role as a teacher and authority within the Buddhist community.[4] (5) A ritual process in which a practitioner is formally introduced to specific teachings, practices, or spiritual empowerments.[5]
From: The Six Yogas of Naropa
(1) Ritual ceremonies that confer spiritual blessings and insights, often seen as prerequisites for deeper esoteric practices.[6] (2) A crucial step in Tantric practice, involving a formal rite that opens the path for deeper teachings and understanding.[7]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) The formal process by which Yashoda was ordained a monk and embraced the monastic life.[8]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The process that Asitabhu undertook to learn how to cultivate her spiritual faculties.[9]
From: Hualin International Journal of Buddhist Studies
(1) Initiation is a ceremony for ritual specialists or acaryas in Esoteric Buddhism, with the All-Gathering Mandala Ceremony as a notable example, and is essential for performing rituals.[10]
Hindu concept of 'Initiation'
Initiation in Hinduism encompasses the formal induction of individuals into spiritual practices, marking the start of their commitment to religious duties and community. It often includes ceremonies like diksha, symbolizing a transformative spiritual journey.
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Initiation is discussed as a ritual that influences the duration of impurity, with different periods prescribed before and after the initiation ceremony.[11] (2) The text identifies the 'first' begging as specifically related to the Initiation, suggesting that this initial act of seeking food holds particular significance within the context of the ceremony.[12] (3) Is a formal process or ceremony that marks the beginning of a new stage in a person's religious or social life.[13] (4) A significant spiritual ceremony or rite that marks the beginning of an individual's journey into a caste or spiritual community.[14] (5) The formal beginning of one’s journey in spiritual education, often marked by specific rituals or milestones acknowledged in Vedic contexts.[15]
From: Sankhayana-grihya-sutra
(1) The Grihya Sutras includes material on funerals and other rites of passage, as well as these ceremonies.[16] (2) The process or event by which someone is introduced to a specific set of rules or rituals.[17] (3) A formal event for a Brahmacarin, symbolizing the beginning of their spiritual journey or studies in Hinduism.[18]
From: Gobhila-grihya-sutra
(1) Initiation refers to the process whereby a student is prepared for their religious duties, including receiving a staff and being taught the associated responsibilities.[19] (2) A ceremonial process by which individuals from different castes are affirmed into their social roles.[20]
From: Gautama Dharmasutra
(1) It is described as something that shall ordinarily take place in the eighth year for a Brahmana.[21] (2) This refers to the time that passes for it, and those who allow it to pass commit a minor offense, indicating a lapse in religious or social duties.[22]
From: Vasistha Dharmasutra
(1) A ritualistic ceremony marking a person's admission into a spiritual community, requiring certain prerequisites.[23]
From: Apastamba Dharma-sutra
(1) The ceremonial process through which a child gains the right to perform religious rites and becomes recognized in the spiritual context.[24]
From: Khadira-grihya-sutra
(1) A ceremonial rite through which individuals receive spiritual awakening or entry into a religious community.[25]
From: Paraskara-grihya-sutra
(1) "Initiations" are among the rites of passage discussed in the Grihya Sutras, marking important transitions in an individual's life cycle.[26]
From: Hiranyakesi-grihya-sutra
(1) The initiation involves a series of ritualistic actions and pronouncements by the teacher, including touching the student, seizing their hand, and reciting formulas to connect the student with various deities.[27]
From: Baudhayana Dharmasutra
(1) The initiation is a ritual that has specific seasons associated with it, namely spring, summer, and autumn, aligning with the order of the castes.[28]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) It is what the Lord requests, with the purpose of becoming a servant to a specific deity.[29] (2) Gadadhara proposed to accept initiation from Vidyanidhi in order to counteract the offense committed against the Vaishnava.[30] (3) Initiation represents the formal acceptance of Gadadhara by Premanidhi, highlighting a significant step in a spiritual or religious journey.[31] (4) Initiation is the process that Gadadhara expressed a desire to undergo, seeking it specifically from Pundarika after a period of contemplation, as shared with Mukunda.[32] (5) Although Shri Gaurasundara later enacted the pastime of accepting initiation from Ishvara Puri, Ishvara Puri was the servant of Shri Gaurasundara.[33]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) The ceremonial act of accepting disciples into the spiritual practice, which was initially not performed by Shrila Gurudeva.[34] (2) The spiritual ceremony of receiving harinama and diksha, marking a formal commitment to the path of devotion.[35] (3) A sacred rite given by Madhavendra Puri to Advaita Acarya, marking his acceptance into the spiritual practice.[36] (4) A ceremonial process of recognizing and accepting someone into a spiritual or religious practice.[37]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) When one performs the initiation, he pours out his own self, as seed, into the fire-pan, and when he becomes initiated, he makes for it that world beforehand.[38] (2) Initiation is the body of the sacrifice, with faith being of that of the initiation, and the fast-observance being the initiation in the Sautramani.[39] (3) Initiation represents the start of a Brahmanical student's journey, which is also known as the Upanayana, signifying the beginning of their formal education.[40] (4) The initiation is referred to as Diksha, which occurs after a year and precedes sacrificial offerings.[41] (5) The ceremonial act that is part of the Agnihotra sacrifice.[42]
From: The Sarva-Darsana-Samgraha
(1) In the case of pakvakalusha, the Supreme, having assumed the form of a teacher, stops the continued accession of maturity and contracts his manifested power, and ultimately grants to them liberation by the process of initiation.[43] (2) A ceremonial process in spiritual practice, involving stages leading to deeper understanding and commitment.[44]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) The kings perform the ceremony of initiation and study the Vedas, according to the information in the provided text.[45]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The ceremonial process through which Gautama accepts Satyakama as a disciple, indicating his entry into spiritual learning.[46] (2) These are experiences that signify man's suffering and desires, akin to the painful rituals of initiation.[47]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) The process of formally accepting someone into a spiritual or religious order, marked by the presentation of the sacred thread.[48]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) The act of beginning Jabala's spiritual training, which is done by Gautama after it is determined that Jabala is not a Shudra.[49]
From: Shakti and Shakta
(1) A ceremonial act of admitting someone into a religious community or practice, often involving specific rites in both Vaidik and Tantrik contexts.[50]
From: Parama Samhita (English translation)
(1) Initiation is a rite or ceremony, and the fire-rite is performed on the occasion of initiation, and the fire-place for this purpose is made round and of the measure of the hand.[51]
From: Hayanaratna: The Jewel of Annual Astrology
(1) It is also known as diksha, and is one of the elements to be considered from the ninth house.[52]
Jain concept of 'Initiation'
Initiation in Jainism signifies the commencement of a spiritual journey, marked by rituals and vows, leading individuals to transcend worldly attachments, embrace transformation, and formally join a spiritual community or practice under guidance.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) The initiation of Arhat Shanti was the reason for the shaking of the thrones of the Lokantika-gods and prompted the gods to remind him about the vow.[53] (2) Initiation refers to a formal process or ceremony marking the beginning of a new stage or status, such as when Shrutirati suggested initiation should be taken in the last period of life.[54] (3) Initiation is the process sought from the muni, representing a formal entry into a mendicant order and the beginning of a dedicated spiritual practice and commitment.[55] (4) The act of becoming a mendicant, something Krishna lamented not having done earlier due to greed for sovereignty.[56] (5) The act of taking religious vows under a spiritual teacher, undertaken by Svayambuddha.[57]
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) This marks the beginning of a significant journey, an event celebrated with ceremonies, attracting the Asurakumaras to Nandishvara island for participation.[58] (2) The process through which Mahabalakumar chooses to become a monk under Dharmaghosha, leaving behind his royal duties.[59]
The concept of Initiation in local and regional sources
Initiation encompasses multiple meanings, including a learning process in literature, a spiritual welcoming ritual for the twice-born, a children's rite of passage, and the commencement of growth experiences, highlighting its importance in personal and communal development.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The initiation, or PATLE BESADWU, is a practice where every child is initiated between the ages of five and eleven, and the Gor or Waiwancho performs religious rites.[60] (2) The start of a process or experience, often involving challenges and growth as one begins a journey.[61] (3) A pivotal ritual (upanayana) aimed at welcoming individuals into a spiritual community, particularly for the twice-born classes.[62] (4) The process through which readers undergo a learning experience to understand the complexities of modern literature.[63]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) A ceremony undergone by the youngest disciple at the monastery, following which Swami Vivekananda learned about her strong nationalistic feelings.[64]
The concept of Initiation in scientific sources
Initiation, in this context, involves the CSMO understanding that feedback conversations should focus on learning and positive consequences.
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) It refers to a point in time when one was shot by arrows during an espionage expedition for the benefit of his country.[65] (2) It is a necessity to protect the unqualified.[66] (3) The way of “initiation” is described as a mystical experience, involving visions and a union with Christ, though it can also lead to unexpected challenges.[67] (4) The end of the period of apprenticeship is a trial, mostly taking place as a form of symbolic death or dismemberment, which then will be repeated several times throughout one’s life as a shaman.[68]
From: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (MDPI)
(1) Initiation is the point when a patient takes the first dose of a medication that has been prescribed, representing the start of adherence to the treatment plan.[69]
From: Sustainability Journal (MDPI)
(1) Initiation refers to the starting point of a spatial transformation, such as the waist-shaped entrance gate in the garden routes.[70]
From: South African Family Practice
(1) The CSMO should be clear that the conversation involves feedback which focuses on his or her learning, i.e. a positive consequence.[71]